Re Contract

Compass Group PLC
4 March 2002

4th March 2002

    PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN 'ASSISTANCE PUBLIQUE - PARIS HOSPITALS' AND COMPASS

Medirest, a Compass group subsidiary, has won an important catering contract
with AP-HP worth £26 million over 3 years.

The Paris 'Assistance Publique', the authority that manages state hospitals,
launched a tender offer in July 2001 for catering in several hospitals and
administrative sites. Consequently, Medirest has been chosen to operate the
Hotel Dieu, Antoine Beclere Hospital, Mourier Hospital, la Collegiale and Jean
Verdier Hospital and retains the contract with the Georges Pompidou European
Hospital, which Medirest operated since 2000. Due to its expertise, Medirest
was able to meet the needs of AP.

These contracts, that generate a total turnover of 42.5 million euros (£26
million) over 3 years, will become effective from March 1st 2002. They
represent 13,000 meals per day for the patients and hospital staff. The
agreement also covers the maintenance of equipment. To develop this new
activity, Medirest has kept 200 employees from the last catering company and
has hired 15 executives.

Within the framework of its new assignment, Medirest team will also be
responsible for the catering services for the famous professor Guy-Grand, Head
of the Nutrition Department at the Hotel Dieu.

Didier Barbaut, Managing Director of Medirest, commented:

'This is a major contract for both parties, and it puts Medirest in a
significant position within the public hospitals sector. The winning of this
contract is the result of the involvement of Medirest team, which was
recognised by AP-HP.'


Enquiries:

Timothy Grey/ Simon Sporborg    Brunswick Group      Tel: [phone]


Notes to editors

Compass Group: Compass Group is the world's largest foodservice company
employing over 270,000 people in over 90 countries and with annual revenues in
excess of £9bn. Compass Group provides catering for clients including major
employers, educational establishments, hospitals, leisure venues, retail
locations and at major airports and stations throughout USA, Europe, and
developing markets in Asia and South America. It operates through sector-
specific subsidiaries such as Eurest, the world's largest specialist in
providing foodservice to business and industry clients, and Select Service
Partner, the European market leader in foodservice at airport restaurants and
rail stations. Further information on the Group can be found at www.compass-
group.com



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